MMPI-3: What You Need to Know

Personality Assessment, a golden standard for diagnosis and treatment

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) is a widely used psychological assessment and diagnosis tool that helps mental health professionals better understand an individual’s personality structure and mental health. Considered golden standard in personality testing, it was designed to assess and diagnose a range of psychological conditions and is commonly used in clinical, legal, and employment settings.

​What is the MMPI-3?
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The MMPI-3 is a modernized version of the MMPI, one of the most researched psychological tests in the world. It helps identify issues related to mood, behavior, and personality by analyzing a wide variety of psychological symptoms. The assessment contains 335 true/false questions and is usually completed within 50 minutes.

Why might you take the MMPI-3?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about your mental health, the MMPI-3 can provide valuable insights. It helps clinicians understand deeper aspects of your emotional and mental health and helps in creating a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. It’s also commonly used in evaluations for employment, legal cases, or personal development.

What to expect:
You’ll answer a series of questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
There are no right or wrong answers, so honesty is key.
Your results will be interpreted by your therapist and licensed psychologist, who will discuss them with you. You'll also receive a formal psychological report with results, diagnostic and treatment considerations.

Who should take the MMPI-3?
It’s suitable for adults (18+) seeking insight into their mental health, or those undergoing clinical evaluations, including assessments for ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other conditions. It is also used in forensic settings and by employers in high-stakes professions.

Fun Fact: The MMPI-3’s Role in the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard Case
Did you know that the MMPI-3 played a key role in the high-profile legal battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard? During the trial, psychologist Dr. Shannon Curry used the MMPI to evaluate Amber Heard’s personality traits. This psychological assessment gave insights into her behavior and mental health, which became a significant point of discussion during the courtroom proceedings. Another fun fact is that the MMPI-3 can detect if someone is deliberately portraying themselves better (or worse).